### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **hieráteuma**, represented by `{{G2406}}`, defines a **priesthood** in the sense of a priestly fraternity or sacerdotal order. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible, where it is used figuratively to describe the collective body of believers.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its scriptural occurrences, `{{G2406}}` is used to establish a new identity for believers in **Christ** `{{G5547}}`. They are described as being built up into a **spiritual** `{{G4152}}` **house** `{{G3624}}` and a **holy** `{{G40}}` **priesthood** [[1 Peter 2:5]]. This collective body is also called a **royal** `{{G934}}` **priesthood** and a **holy** `{{G40}}` **nation** `{{G1484}}` [[1 Peter 2:9]]. The purpose of this priesthood is twofold: to **offer up** `{{G399}}` **spiritual** `{{G4152}}` **sacrifices** `{{G2378}}` acceptable to **God** `{{G2316}}` through **Jesus** `{{G2424}}` and to "shew forth the **praises** `{{G703}}`" of the one who called them from **darkness** `{{G4655}}` into his **light** `{{G5457}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the nature and function of this **priesthood**:
* `{{G934}}` **basíleios** (kingly (in nature)): This word elevates the status of the believers' priesthood, describing it as **royal** in character [[1 Peter 2:9]].
* `{{G40}}` **hágios** (sacred... (most) holy (one, thing), saint): This describes the consecrated nature of the priesthood, designating believers as a **holy** priesthood [[1 Peter 2:5]] and part of a **holy** nation `{{G1484}}` [[1 Peter 2:9]].
* `{{G2378}}` **thysía** (sacrifice (the act or the victim, literally or figuratively)): This word defines a primary activity of the **priesthood**, which is to offer up **spiritual sacrifices** to God [[1 Peter 2:5]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2406}}` is significant for understanding the identity of the church.
* **Corporate Identity:** The term establishes believers as a collective, a "sacerdotal order." They are not just individuals but are built up together as a **spiritual** `{{G4152}}` **house** `{{G3624}}` and a **holy** `{{G40}}` **priesthood** [[1 Peter 2:5]].
* **Spiritual Function:** The role of this priesthood is to **offer up** `{{G399}}` **spiritual** `{{G4152}}` **sacrifices** `{{G2378}}`. These are made acceptable to **God** `{{G2316}}` not through ritual but "by **Jesus** `{{G2424}}` **Christ** `{{G5547}}`" [[1 Peter 2:5]].
* **Declarative Mission:** This **priesthood** is given a missional purpose to "shew forth the **praises** `{{G703}}`" of God, who called believers out of **darkness** `{{G4655}}` and into his marvelous **light** `{{G5457}}` [[1 Peter 2:9]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2406}}` **hieráteuma** defines more than an office; it defines the corporate identity of all believers. As a **royal** `{{G934}}` and **holy** `{{G40}}` **priesthood**, their role is transformed from performing physical rituals to offering **spiritual** `{{G4152}}` **sacrifices** `{{G2378}}` and declaring the excellencies of God. This concept is central to the New Testament's understanding of the church as a unified body with a direct, priestly function before God.
TRV